“They will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.”
Alcoholism isn't a matter of self-discipline or the desire to quit. It's a fight against the way alcohol changes our brains and bodies. It takes superhuman strength to fight alcohol. Fortunately, Jesus is ready to help.
Misunderstandings About Alcohol
Alcohol, in and of itself, is not inherently sinful. It's a thing, and a thing cannot be a sin. What can become a sin is what we do with the alcohol. Drunkenness, abuse, and addiction to alcohol are definitely two things that shouldn't be a part of a Christian life.
Then there's the consideration for the people around us, their weaknesses (Romans 14:13), and our responsibility to be a godly example to the world as followers of Christ (Matthew 5:16). Respecting others' spiritual journey shows the world "righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17).
Myths About Alcoholics
Maybe you have an uncle who always drinks too much at family weddings and makes a fool of himself. Or a friend who shows up to a class hungover. Maybe you regularly walk through a park and notice the paper sacks surrounding the sleeping figures on the benches. Or maybe you hide vodka in your water bottle.
Whether you see these people as disgusting, unprofessional, or familiar, you may have some preconceived ideas about what's going on.
They don't recognize what they're doing or when to stop.
They have no willpower; they need to be stronger and decide to stop drinking.
They don't care that they're destroying their lives and hurting others.
They need to just stop sinning.
But these assumptions about alcoholics aren't at the root of the problems they're facing. Their addiction to alcohol has changed them physically and psychologically—to the point that self-will, shame, and remorse are rarely enough to stop their drinking.
Many alcoholics are strong-willed and resourceful, desperate to stop, and very much regret the pain they've caused. There's always way more to every person's story than we can observe from the outside—especially when we see them suffering from substance abuse.
The Truth About Alcoholics
Alcoholism is a chronic condition of the mind and body. Social drinkers are often content with one or two drinks. They like how alcohol makes them feel, but they can self-moderate and have the self-awareness to know when to stop.
Alcoholics may start out that way, but over time, something physically changes inside their brain. Rather than easing the physical cravings, each drink ramps up their need for more. This is why alcoholics often drink until either the alcohol runs out or they lose consciousness (or blackout).
Why do people drink?
Regardless of right or wrong, people drink because they enjoy how alcohol makes them feel. For the social drinker who consumes in moderation, the physical sensations of a drink or two are short-lived and of no lasting consequence.
For the alcoholic, the urge to drink—and drink excessively—is overpowering. Their minds and bodies become dependent on alcohol intake. Without it, they grow uneasy and anxious.
Alcohol is all they can think of, and they cope with the stress by numbing the mind though alcohol abuse. Often, they overindulge, feel deep regret, and vow to stop. The moment they let their guard down, though, they find a drink in their hand.
There's Always Hope
“You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.”
Once we understand that alcoholism is a condition of the mind and body, we can better help those who wish to break their addiction. Doing so takes superhuman strength, loving support and accountability, and a humble reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Thankfully, Jesus stands ready to provide healing and restoration to anyone who comes to Him (Colossians 1:28; John 16:24; 2 Corinthians 13:9-11).